Volvo CE sign up to IQ CPC scheme

Commitment marks major move forward for Volvo CE, the Institute and the sector as a whole

IN the ever-changing and challenging quarrying sector where the need to constantly demonstrate competence to the highest standards is paramount, Volvo Construction Equipment have taken the next step and announced that they are signing up to Institute of Quarrying’s Corporate Professional Competence scheme.

Developed in 2009 in conjunction with Lafarge and with the assistance of the HSE, over the past four years the scheme has attracted all of the major aggregate companies as well as many SMEs and contractors.

This commitment from Volvo CE will mean the introduction of a major machine manufacturer working and operating to the same rules, standards and third party audit as many of its customers.

It demonstrates that Volvo CE are taking the challenge of competence very seriously by ensuring that their employees’ complete competence-based qualifications and maintain individual development through CPD.

This, in turn, will create new skills and enhance focus on continual development as well as conveying the importance of professionalism, while developing a closer working relationship and partnership with the sector and its stakeholders.

Val Ledden, managing director of Volvo Construction Equipment UK, commented: ‘I am extremely proud that Volvo CE is the first manufacturer to sign up to the Institute’s Corporate Professional Competence scheme.

‘This important step underlines our commitment to the development of our people, which ultimately will benefit them, our suppliers and, most importantly, our customers. We look forward to seeing CPD in action and I will be monitoring our progress with great interest.’

Mike Phillips, general manager of the Institute of Quarrying, added: ‘This sees a real step change for the sector and true commitment from a manufacturer by not only joining the CPC scheme, but linking this with all of the objectives of PRIME (Professional Recognition in Mineral Extractives).

‘I feel very proud to have worked closely with Volvo over the past months and, personally, think this is not purely an announcement to the industry, but a passionate commitment to further developing all of Volvo’s people well into the future.’